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Summer Events on the English Riviera

Visitors flock to the English Riviera, Devon to enjoy the soft sand and gentle lapping waves at our glorious beaches. But when you want a break from the seaside, you’ll find lots of special events taking place across Torbay. From steam rallies to all the fun of the fair, there’s plenty to suit every taste and help you make some very special memories during your stay. Here’s our pick of some of the must-do events during the summer holidays.

Nautical summer holiday events

With the glorious blue sea stretching across the Bay it’s little wonder that boats of all shapes and sizes take centre stage during the summer months. Torbay’s famous Royal Regatta offers plenty for seadogs and landlubbers alike. Watch the high-energy rowing races from Torquay’s seafront or enjoy a water ski display. After a day viewing the sailing, it’s time to turn your gaze skywards for the spectacular firework display that lights up the summer night sky.

As well as sailing boats bobbing past on the summer’s breeze, Torquay also welcomes the high-octane thrills of offshore powerboat racing to its coast.

If you’re visiting Torbay at the end of August, a day trip to the Dartmouth Royal Regatta is a must. From crabbing competitions to picking up something special in the Shopping Village, there are lots of things going on to tempt all ages. You can climb aboard a naval ship moored in the river, take part in the fancy dress competitions, hook a duck at the funfair, relax with an ice cream listening to live music and enjoy the fabulous firework display on the Friday night.

Summer holiday fun at Children’s week in Paignton

Paignton has long been a family-favourite destination, and for a week in the middle of August you’ll find even more going on to keep the kids happy. Children’s Week takes place on The Green by Paignton’s seafront. It is a week of activities aimed at children of all ages, from storytelling to traditional fairground rides like the splendid carousel. Your little one can have their face painted, watch a performance, or have a go at a new craft. And to make things even better, many of the activities are completely free.

Musical maestros and perfect performances

Make the most of the balmy summer evenings in the English Riviera by enjoying some open-air theatre or a music concert. You’ll find live performances taking place during the summer months at Greenway and Coleton Fishacre as well as Cockington Court and Torre Abbey in Torquay.

If you’re looking for some musical entertainment, head inland a couple of miles to the splendid Dartington Hall. Every August, Dartington hosts a Summer School and Festival, with a packed programme of events from internationally acclaimed artists. From Mozart to the rhythms of Latin America, it offers four weeks of musical treats with performances held throughout the day and evening.

Steam up for a fun day out for the family

The first weekend in August sees literally hundreds of vintage lorries, tractors and cars motoring their way to the Torbay Steam Fair. This three-day event is one of the biggest on the calendar, and you’ll find lots to keep all the family entertained. As well as the steam traction engines, there’s a craft tent and stalls for some shopping and children’s activities to keep the little ones entertained. And of course you can expect plenty of delicious local food and drink on sale to enjoy too.

There’s so much going on during the summer holidays in Torbay, so make sure you take a look through all our listings. They’re regularly updated, so come back again to see what’s new.

International Agatha Christie Festival

Every September, the English Riviera in Devon becomes a crime scene worth some serious investigation, as we celebrate the birthday of our most famous literary daughter. Each year you can expect a series of events coinciding with her birthday on 15 September with more fun and literary events than you can shake a smoking gun at.

Full details of the Festival programme and fringe events are available by carrying out a search on our What's On diary here and the festival programme can be viewed here. Subscribe to Festival News on the Festival website, www.iacf-uk.org or follow the Festival on Twitter and Facebook (@AgathaFestival).

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Number of results: 231

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Dates

From:
2 Aug 2026

Let It Be - Rowcroft Charity Concert

Address

Palace Theatre, Palace Avenue, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 3HF

Telephone
01803 665800

Paignton

Dates

From:
2 Aug 2026

Rowcroft Charity Show in loving memory of Everyone cared for at Rowcroft Hospice.
Sadie-Jane Beer presents “Let it be”
A Rowcroft charity variety show, to raise money for the wonderful cause that support patients and families with terminal illness…

Type

Type:

Concert

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Web Site
Dates

From:
18 July 2026

Tor-VYBZ Festival

Address

Princess Gardens, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5EZ

Torquay

Dates

From:
18 July 2026

Tor-VYBZ Festival lands at The Banjo on Princess Gardens, Torquay on 18 July 2026 & it's completely FREE🔥
Tor-VYBZ is bringing a new wave of energy to the South West, a youth-led grassroots music festival celebrating the sound of now 🎶 From Rock…

Type

Type:

Festival

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Web Site
Dates

From:
3 Sept 2026

Illyria Theatre – The Three Musketeers

Address

Cockington Court, Cockington Village, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6XA

Telephone
01803 607230

Torquay

Dates

From:
3 Sept 2026

All for One – and One for All!
Young D’Artagnan is desperate to join Athos, Porthos and Aramis as an elite Musketeer of the King’s Guard. To prove himself he plunges headlong into a breathlessly thrilling adventure to retrieve the Queen’s jewels,…

Type

Type:

Performance

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Web Site
Dates

From:
2 Aug 2026

Creed Conventions Present: Torquay Comic Con

Address

Riviera International Conference Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, TQ2 5LZ

Telephone
01803 299992

Torquay

Dates

From:
2 Aug 2026

This will be a great day for families, sci-fi collectors, fans, and every other kind of Comic Con Fan! There is lots to see and do, including out of this world displays and props, traders selling out of this world collections, meet celebrities from…

Type

Type:

Family

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Web Site
Dates

From:

6 Aug 2026to7 Aug 2026

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - Doorstep Arts

Address

Palace Theatre, Palace Avenue, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 3HF

Telephone
01803 665800

info@palacetheatrepaignton.co.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

6 Aug 2026to7 Aug 2026

Come and join Doorstep Arts, DYT and DAS Groups this August for a truly exciting theatrical experience!
The performance begins with a brand-new devised production performed by Doorstep Youth Theatre (ages 14–20). Travel back in time to Vulgaria,…

Type

Type:

Performance

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Web Site
Dates

From:
11 July 2026
From:
25 July 2026
From:
8 Aug 2026
From:
22 Aug 2026

Summer Seafood BBQ at The Cary 2026

Address

Cary Arms, Beach Road, Babbacombe, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3LX

Telephone
01803 327110

dany@caryarms.co.uk

Babbacombe, Torquay

Dates

From:
11 July 2026
From:
25 July 2026
From:
8 Aug 2026
From:
22 Aug 2026

Join us on the terrace at The Cary Arms for a laid-back BBQ with unbeatable sea views and a menu full of coastal favourites.
Think whole roasted catch of the day, scallops, & king prawn kebabs, and even lobster - all grilled to order and served…

Type

Type:

Event

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Web Site
Dates

From:
22 Aug 2026

Generation Rock - Classic Rock Across All the Ages

Address

Brixham Theatre, New Road, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8TA

Telephone
01803 415987

Brixham

Dates

From:
22 Aug 2026

Generation Rock bring you classic rock bangers and anthems from the 70s to the present day. Our 6 piece live band features 4 vocalists, including the marvellous girl team of "Purple Haze" and "Lady Deee" backed by a group of top notch musicians who…

Type

Type:

Rock & Pop

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:
5 July 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00

English Riviera Race

Address

Torre Abbey Sands Torquay, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6NE

Telephone
07866 567 894

enquiries@sportivaevents.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:
5 July 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00

New for 2026 is The English Riviera Race. It's on a completely closed road circuit around the centre of Torquay. The surface is smooth tarmac & the lap is exactly 5K. The course is pretty flat but there are a couple of rises each lap to keep it…

Type

Type:

Running

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:
25 July 2026Open 15:00 - 23:00
Torquay Punk Assembly

Address

Arena Torquay, 39-41 Torwood Street, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 1DZ

Telephone
+44770 2589915

Marketing@arenatorquay.com

Price
Price £27.50 Per Ticket

Torquay

Dates

From:
25 July 2026Open 15:00 - 23:00

SHAM 69 - Original '77 Line-Up (Live)
The Torquay Punk Assembly brings together generations of punk for one huge day of live music, led by UK punk legends SHAM 69 performing with their original 1977 line-up.
Expect an explosive atmosphere, classic…

Type

Type:

Music
Parking & Transport

Parking On-site or Valet Parking
Price
Price £27.50 Per Ticket

More Details

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Web Site

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This Official Tourism Website is managed by the English Riviera BID Company Ltd.

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Summer Events on the English Riviera

Nautical summer holiday events

Summer holiday fun at Children’s week in Paignton

Musical maestros and perfect performances

Steam up for a fun day out for the family

International Agatha Christie Festival

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